What’s unknown is how much risk his successor will take to achieve what remains out of reach. Everything Washington tried so far failed. The one remaining option is upping the ante, escalating conflict, maybe unilaterally imposing a no-fly zone, the strategy used against Libya.

It worked because Russia and China failed to veto Security Council Resolution 1973, a tragic error. Washington and rogue NATO allies took full advantage.

Virtually certain Moscow and Beijing vetoes prevent US policymakers from using Security Council authorization for no-fly zone imposition on Syria.

America would have to do it unilaterally or jointly with so-called coalition partners if they dare risk it.

Direct confrontation with Russia could follow, a possible nuclear face-off. Obama won’t likely chance it, especially with his tenure winding down - another story entirely if Hillary succeeds him.

Before her term ends, maybe shortly into it, America could be at war with Russia, possibly with nuclear weapons, an unthinkable doomsday scenario.

America’s current strategy, along with its rogue partners, includes continuing to arm ISIS, al-Nusra and other terrorist groups with heavy weapons and other material support - media scoundrels cheerleading Obama’s war with unrelenting anti-Russia, anti-Syria propaganda.

Truth and deplorable reporting are the first casualties of war, continuing as long as its waged. Coverage of America’s Syria aggression is some of the worst in memory, credibility entirely absent.

Frustration over failure to oust Assad shows up in deplorable media scoundrel reports, aWashington Post one lamenting about Moscow achieving two important objectives.

Assad remains in power. Russia proved itself an important regional and global player, not to be taken lightly. Obama’s year ago quagmire prediction failed to materialize.

Putin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov explained Moscow’s mission is open-ended, no limited time frame imposed. It wants terrorism defeated in Syria, kept from spreading to Russia’s heartland - better to combat it there than at home.

Intervention worked, Peskov stressed. Terrorists haven’t taken Damascus. Irresponsibly blaming Russian and Syrian forces for imperial war crimes has no deterrent effect on their campaign.

Their ability to advance against US-backed terrorists is good news. The bad news is heavily armed new recruits keep replenishing their ranks depleted by conflict.

The disturbing reality is war can continue indefinitely - as long as neocons infesting Washington wish. Using terrorist foot soldiers avoids the cost of US combat troops coming home in body bags.

No one’s keeping count of how many perished or no longer can fight because of disabling injuries. Many others tired of conflict and went home.

Preemptive US wars are easier to start than resolve. They continue because America deplores peace and stability. US hubris and arrogance demand imperial trophies - no matter the cost in human lives and misery.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com.

Listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network.